Kael didn't comfort Kiona because he knew she didn't need it. She was a strong woman who would prefer to fight rather than be protected and sheltered, so he respected that.
He just chuckled at her latter part and said, "I should be honoured then, as you did call me your family."
"Because you are my family, Master." Kiona stopped and stared at him seriously. "You are a very cunning master, even though you pretend to be a silly person. I know you've already realised my feelings, so I won't pretend to be shy about them or act like they don't exist."
She took a step forward, closing the distance between them, and said, her voice full of resolve and determination, "I'm not worthy of you now, but I will become someone who is. And the day that happens, I will come at you with full force. This is my declaration."
She paused, a silly smile appearing on her face as she added, "And we also need to repopulate the Sunmane Tribe, so I need your help with that."
